Getting it figured out a bit more.

[TN.Frank]

Well, the overshot wads and new patch matrial worked, no more patches burning thru. I even used two overshot wads over a 90gr fffg powder charge between the powder and prb with no signs of buring thru. I think I'll back the load off to 85grs of fffg with two overshot wads and the prb. I'm still hitting low though. I guess I just need to aim a bit higher. These smoothbores are a lot different then a rifle. I really need to do a lot more shooting to get used to "pointing" it at the proper spot on the target to get hits. I was about 3" low and 3-4" right of center at 25yrds. Need lots more practice. :hmm:

P.S.
On a side note, using Olive Oil on the patches I shot 9 shots without having to swab the bore even once. Man, that stuff works great. :thumbsup:

 

[Rebel]

And if you would only listen to me and use an Overpowder wad, then a Half a Lubed fiber cushion wad under the ball you could shoot all day without swabbing. :grin: Seriously though, you really should give it a try. I think you will get better groups. As far as shooting low, time to BEND THAT BARREL. :grin:

 

[TN.Frank]

OUCH, I'm not bending the barrel. This gun cost me $700 bucks, don't want to take a chance on messing something up. I think I'll just hold a bit high (KY. Windage.) to get the job done. Also, who's to say that I've not flinching a bit too. I really need to shoot a lot more so I can get comfortable with the gun before I do anything to it.
Even after the 9 shots it still loaded great, I could have shot another 9 without any problem.

 

[Java Man]

I agree with rebel on the wads. Its not that much more fuss either. As far as hitting low, just tilt the bbl up more (show more barrel).

Bending the barrel is not that tough. If you use a clamp and a couple blocks and go slowly. Its more annoying to take out the bbl pins and put em back when you are done.

Java Man

 

[Russianblood]

When aiming my smoothbores, I put the base of the front sight on my target and "set" the base on the barrel flat. Then I line up the blade with the center of the barrel flat and pull the trigger. This aiming technique has worked with both of my smoothie trade guns.

 

[No Deer]

P.S.
On a side note, using Olive Oil on the patches I shot 9 shots without having to swab the bore even once. Man, that stuff works great. :thumbsup:

I spit patch when target shooting and have literally gone all day without swabbing. I shot our woodswalk, then some trap, then on the line. I don't believe that you will need to swab a smoothbore, at least for easy loading. It may affect your accuracy, I don't know for sure, but as far as loading, a smoothie is a breeze.

 

[riverrat43]

For a smooth rifle that is supposed to mic .625 ID exactly what type/brand of wads and cards would one buy? The reason I ask is that I have never owned a smooth bore but am about to. I suppose I'll be doing the same thing Frank is doing...testing, practice and more testing and practice.

 

[TN.Frank]

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(pe...s/tableList.aspx?catID=2&subID=37&styleID=118
Here's a link to TOW's wads. I'd say a 19 or a 20ga should work. One thing I really like about smoothbores is not having to get down into the rifling to clean the barrel. That's always a pain, with a smoothbore it's much easier to clean and take care of the barrel.

 

[riverrat43]

Thanks...reckon I'll be doing some ordering soon.

 

[No Deer]

My smoothie mics out right at .620, I use 20 gage wads and cards and they fit well. I don't know if .005 will make that much of a difference or not.

 

[paulvallandigham]

A 19 gauge barrel will measure .626, so use the 19 ga. wads and components.

 

[Russianblood]

I use 20 gauge overpowder and fiber wads but 19 gauge overshot for the extra snugness to make sure the shot stays in place.

 

[Rebel]

Yep, that's the way i do it too.

 

[paulvallandigham]

WADR, I think you would be better served in a gun that is so much oversized than the .615" nominal diameter for the 20 ga. , by using 19 ga. Overpowder wads. You are loosing a lot of velocity using that too small wad in your gun. I speak of as much as 250 fps lost, according to my experience and my chronograph. You can get by using 20 ga cushion wads, but those 19 gauge over shot cards are also a ncessity. I like to put one care on top of the cushion wad, so shot doesn't imbed in the cushion wad at the muzzle, blowing the pattern. The hard over shot card provides a smooth, hard even surface that leaves the muzzle squared to the bore, which helps the pattern stay together.

 

[riverrat43]

Thanks again for the advice and guidance. I think I'll wait to find out exactly what he barrel mics out to before buying wads and cards.

 

[TN.Frank]

Good idea, better check it and get what you need then buy the wrong stuff. Of course, a larger wad can always be stuffed into a smaller barrel but not the other way around. :hmm: